A First Look, The New Boca Grande Health Clinic

More than 300 people gathered May 5 as the Boca Grande Health Clinic officially dedicated its new Clinic of the Future to the community and recognized the many donors who made the project possible.

Held at the new clinic location of 280 Park Avenue, the event highlighted the vision behind the project and the community effort that made it possible. It also gave everyone a first look inside the building before it opens to patients later in May.

“This has been nearly five years in the making,” said Mark Driscoll, CEO of the Boca Grande Health Clinic. “On behalf of the entire clinic team, we’re excited to share this new clinic with the residents, workers, and visitors of the island. We look forward to caring for you here, with the space, technology, and tools to carry out our mission of providing personalized primary and same-day urgent care.”

Judd Gregg, chair of the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, recognized the community support that made the new clinic possible. “The Clinic of the Future reflects the generosity and commitment of so many people who care deeply about this community. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this possible and proud to see it come to life.”

From the outside in, the new clinic was designed not only to reflect its setting within the Boca Grande Historic District but also to create a space that feels welcoming, familiar, and comfortable for patients.

Architectural features such as arched openings, a tiled roof, and traditional proportions draw on Mediterranean Revival and coastal influences found throughout the island, giving the structure a residential character consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. These elements mirror those of the former clinic building across the street, lending a cohesive, campus-like feel.

That same approach continues inside.

Crown molding and wall millwork introduce craftsmanship more often associated with private homes, complemented by a soft, coastal palette of natural materials and finishes that carries throughout the space. Waterfall-edge quartz countertops provide durable, easy-to-clean surfaces and add to the residential feel of the space, while terrazzo-style flooring in the lobby reflects materials long used in historic Florida buildings.

Behind all of that thoughtful design is a level of technology and medical capability that significantly expands care on the island.

Advanced imaging, including on-site CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, allows many patients to receive diagnostic testing here on the island—often the same day—rather than traveling off-island and waiting weeks for appointments. Imaging has long been one of the clinic’s most common referrals, particularly for CT scans, making this addition especially meaningful for patients.

Expanded laboratory services further support that care, allowing many important tests to be performed right here on the island, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and strep testing, along with common bloodwork used to measure electrolytes, liver function, and cholesterol. A new complete blood count analyzer – one of the most widely used tests in medicine – adds to that capability. Performing more testing here means faster answers and fewer trips off the island.

Exam rooms are designed to better support the kind of care that has long defined the Boca Grande Health Clinic. One of the clinic’s hallmarks is the time physicians spend with each patient, with visits typically lasting about 45 minutes, far longer than a typical primary care appointment. That time allows for careful evaluation, meaningful conversation, and truly personalized care. The new facility also includes dedicated exam rooms for visiting specialists, expanding access to specialty care on the island.

Dedicated treatment spaces allow for procedures such as wound care, stitches, minor procedures, injections, and splinting, all in a carefully controlled environment.

On the first floor, three urgent care exam rooms are designed to safely treat patients with urgent needs. Each room is equipped with a negative-pressure ventilation system to help prevent airborne illnesses from spreading. One room includes a separate exterior entrance, allowing patients with highly contagious conditions to be seen directly without passing through other areas of the clinic. The entire first floor is also protected by an active air and surface purification system.

A dedicated telehealth room allows patients and their Clinic physician to connect directly with specialists off the island, making it possible to receive expert guidance and coordinate care without the need to travel. Physicians also use telehealth to stay connected with patients after they return to their home cities, helping maintain continuity of care throughout the year.

An on-site retail pharmacy, expected to open later this year, will make it easier for patients to fill prescriptions right on the island, just steps from their doctor.

The Clinic of the Future improves access to care, saves patients time, and helps avoid the inconvenience of waiting for hard-to-schedule off-island appointments. It also gives doctors the tools they need to diagnose and treat patients faster, improving outcomes for our community.